Ranit Kr. Singh , New Delhi — Alleged members of Prince Teotia gang including a notorious criminal wanted in a recent extortion-linked firing case, were arrested following an exchange of fire with police in south Delhi's Pushp Vihar area. Officials said on Saturday accused Rakesh, Sonu and Bharat Jatav were apprehended following an early morning shootout with the police in south Delhi's Pushp Vihar area. The three accused were intercepted by a police trap near Machhi Market Road on the intervening night of June 5 and 6 while riding a registration-less motorcycle. During the violent confrontation, the suspects opened indiscriminate fire on the law enforcement team, discharging approximately six rounds. The police retaliated in self-defense, leading to a brief exchange of fire that resulted in bullet injuries to the legs of Rakesh and Sonu, who were subsequently hospitalized for treatment.

The successful operation was executed based on specific intelligence, technical surveillance, and extensive CCTV footage analysis conducted by the local police force. Investigators had been tracking Rakesh and Sonu since June 1, when two motorcycle-borne assailants fired multiple rounds outside a resident's home in Lado Sarai to terrorize him over unpaid extortion demands. The ambush turned critical when a bullet fired by Rakesh struck the bulletproof jacket of Head Constable Sandeep Dhayal, miraculously preventing a fatal injury, while another round narrowly missed Head Constable Arvind. Police personnel recovered illegal firearms and the unregistered motorcycle from the crime scene, effectively neutralizing a dangerous criminal cell operating within the capital.

According to police officials, the trio was heavily wanted in connection with an ongoing extortion case registered at the Saket police station. Officials stated that the complainant from Lado Sarai had been receiving continuous threats and extortion calls from Rakesh prior to the targeted shooting at his residence. Investigators noted that the suspects attempted to flee the barricades the moment they were signaled to stop by the police team. Furthermore, senior officers confirmed that both injured accused are currently stable, and comprehensive legal proceedings under the Arms Act and attempt to murder charges have been initiated against all three individuals.